| Abstract |
Geothermal manifestations occur in more than twenty-eight localities in Nepal, scattered for the most part along the Main Central Thrust and the Main Boundary Fault. Based on preliminary scientific studies conducted in the early 80s over a dozen geothermal localities, attempts to utilize geothermal energy were abandoned since the subsurface temperatures were not economically viable for generating electricity. The subsurface temperatures later measured with other geothermometers were also found to vary between 50? and 120?C. The surface temperature of thermal water in different places ranges between 23? and 73?C. Great importance has been given to popularizing the use of low temperature water in the media, successfully drawing the attention of the energy planners. as a result, the ninth Plan of nepal (1997-2002) has, for the first time, envisaged the preparation and/or updating of the inventory of geothermal localities as well as conducting a few pilot projects. While many hot spring localities have been holy places for religious activities, some of them have also served as hospitals for the rural poor for a long time. Amazingly, people from quite distant places visit the Singha Hot Spring in Western Nepal in the belief that hot spring water is a panacea for many diseases. preliminary analysis of geochemical data, including isotopic studies, indicates that there is a large geothermal reservoir in western Nepal. A detailed scientific study of this area could be more rewarding. A relatively high population density and good road access also weigh heavily in favor of the utilization of geothermal resources in this area. Nepal also described its hot spring areas as ideal tourist destinations during its ìVisit Nepal 1998î program and gave them great publicity on national television. The hot spring in Myagdi district had already been a very popular place for many foreign tourists undertaking the famous Mount Annapurna circuit. Although drilling activities for a large-scale utilization of geothermal water are still an onerous task for many localities, there is now a better chance of doing so in some places because of improved roads. His Majesty's Government of Nepal (HMG/N) is placing great emphasis on road construction, linking more thermal locations and this will definitely increase the opportunities of conducting detailed scientific and of utilizing the resource. |